Four days later, she was sitting in the drawing-room. Their families were supposed to arrive tomorrow for the dinner. She was reading a book on the window seat when Lilly walked in with a tray of tea and biscuits. She set it down and Nicole looked at her.
"What's all this?"
"His grace thought you might be hungry."
"That's very kind of him."
Lilly dipped her head and left her, knowing Nicole would want to pour her own tea. Nicole went back to her book after getting a plate with biscuits and poured herself some tea. Austin came in later and found the biscuits gone and the teapot almost empty. He smiled and came over next to her. He sat behind her and pulled her into his lap. She smiled when he kissed her and he told her to keep reading. He just wanted to enjoy her company. When Lilly came back a couples of hours later to get the tray, she found both of them asleep on the window seat. She grabbed the tray and excused herself and told the rest of the staf
Austin sat in his office long after Lee's confession and everyone had gone to bed. He sat in the chair in front of the fireplace drinking a glass of whiskey. He was so caught up in his thoughts, that he didn't even hear the door open. When Nicole put her hands on his shoulders, he jumped. "Hey. It's just me." "I'm sorry, my dear, I didn't even hear you come in." "What's going on?" "It's Lee." "What did he say?" "His feelings are true for Marie and he intends to see them through." "Shouldn't you be happy, then? This is great news." "Yes, but Lee is not that type of person. he doesn't care like that and Marie is so innocent." "Most men are like that until they lose their heart." "I know that." "Just see what happens. Your brother might surprise you yet." "I hope you are right." "For Marie's sake, I hope so too." "How late is it?" "Almost morning." "I'm
The next morning, Nicole was feeling better and Austin asked her six different times from when she got up and went down to eat. Marie was in her room and said she wasn't feeling good. Nicole said she'd be up to check on her later. She had Lilly stay with her, just to be sure.After breakfast, Austin took Nicole to the house at the back of the property. She smiled as so much had been done. It wasn't run down anymore and there was new paint, doors, windows, and even balconies on the outside. On the inside, they met Lee and they let her walk around. She saw every room and noticed the only room furnished was the study. She smiled as she turned to them when they finished the upstairs and Lee had a hopeful look."Well?""I think she is going to love it.""How do I do it though?""Propose to her here in the bedroom you intend on sharing with her.""How do I get her here?""She's sick today. Tomorrow, if she's feeling better, I will bri
Nicole came out and went to breakfast three days after the tavern incident. Marie was at the table with a plate. She told Nicole that Austin had already been down and was gone to the second house. Nicole sat down and started eating when Lee came down and sat next to her. "Why do you have to be such a bitch?" "Excuse me?" "Do you have any idea what you are doing to him?" "What I'm doing to him?" "So what if a whore was sitting in his lap, you are just his wife." "No, I am his wife, not just his wife. And none of it would have happened if it weren't for you." "You need to make up with him." "We are still living under the same roof, aren't we. For now, that's enough." "No, you...." "Let's not forget that you are indeed his brother, but I am still a duchess and I think you've forgotten your place." Lee stared at her not sure what to say next when the butler came in and told Lee that Austin needed him. Lee got up from the table but turned back to her. "Forgive me, your grace, if
The Duke and Duchess of Havenshire were known as one of the wealthiest families in England. Only the royals were above them in class and they were well respected. Duke Henry Bradshaw had much to look forward to in his life but when his wife, Lady Anne Bradshaw, gets sick during her first pregnancy, his life changes. She delivered early and found she was to have twins. One girl, Nicole, and a boy, James. Much to the Duke's displeasure, the boy did not survive. After the Duchess was given the news that she could not conceive again, she felt like she had let the Duke down. Henry assured his wife that he loved her still and they had a beautiful baby girl. With her dark brown wisps of hair and honey-colored eyes, she was a perfect vision. Henry knew he would make it work as she had been promised to Count Ravenport's son. The boy was now only three but was encouraged to visit his baby bride anytime. Francis thought it interesting that he had a bride already. Over the years, however, he be
The Earl of Berkshire was fortunate to have four sons. Vincent Duncan and his wife, Amanda Duncan, lived out in the countryside south of London. Their closest neighbor was the Marquess of Reading. They lived with their only son, Francis. Robert and Julia Ravenport took pride in their appearance and never socialized with those lower than them. It was no surprise that Francis was promised to the Duke of Havenshire before she was born. The Earl was happy with his life and prided himself on his sons. Amanda loved all four boys equally, even though most of them acted like their father in some way or another. The eldest, Jason, was to inherit everything of the earldom and was to marry a fine young lady to be his countess. Next was Lee, he was carefree and spirited and loved to talk about traveling the world one day. Then there was Austin, his mother's favorite. He never saw a point in learning the skills his father pushed on him. He knew he'd never need them but he learned t
Jason found Austin and Lee with a broken nose and a few other broken bones. Poor Ronald was going to need a hospital and for a long bit, it looked like. Austin had defended Nicole to the fullest without killing him and only hoped she knew what kind of hold she had on him already. He had to admit after dancing with her, she carried herself differently. She didn't act like the normal spoiled child. She was the only daughter of the richest duke in the country yet she was best friends with a lord's daughter, who he heard worked for her father. He needed to tell Austin what happened after he left. Rebecca said some nasty things and he needed to know. "So, how was Miss Rebecca?" "Not seeing that one again." "What? You looked like you were into her." "A little and then she did something." "Like what?" "She insulted Lady Nicole." "What did she say?" "Easy Austin." "What was said?" "She said she was disrespecting
Nicole was upset at Austin's departure but knew he would make an excellent soldier. She kept in touch with him but she knew he was being sent out and prayed for his safe return. Meanwhile, she stopped going to balls with Marie and they talked for hours when she got back. After only two meetings, Marie knew where Nicole's heart was and felt sorry for her friend. Francis wrote to her even though she had never seen him. One letter had her upset and she feared for her future. My Dearest Fiance, I bring the sad news of my father's death. Sickness has taken him rather suddenly. My mother is beside herself. I am now the new Marquess and hope to see you soon. I want to tell you that my father and I had plans of taking our busi
Francis was always told he had to help the family. His father was always power-hungry and so when he could arrange for Francis to wed Nicole, he didn't hesitate. Francis grew up resenting the idea and even when he met her as a baby, he didn't agree with it. As he got older, he prided himself in knowing much about the opposite sex. He did have the occasional visits and each time he did, she got lovelier. He considered that she would make a beautiful bride and if he were going to marry her, he would do it for himself and not because that's what his father wanted. Over the years, she seemed to have a good upbringing and she was respectable. He knew she knew of the agreement, so when she turned sixteen, he kept a close watch on her. At the first ball she attended with Marie, he heard of Ronald and he was ready to storm out before he was told that his neighbor Austin handled it, even put Ronald in the hospital. Then he heard of Rebecca and grew furious someone would insult his fi